COOT 



on a perch near the nest and remained there for a few moments 

 before flying away. 



The Coot makes a very substantial nest, high and dry above 

 the water, and leading up- to it there is usually a sloping plat- 

 form about a yard in length, and the bird always uses this when 

 entering or leaving the nest. While walking up it, she, every few 

 paces, stops, and with her beak removes the drops of water from 

 her breast. When the hen is sitting, the male swims about on 

 guard not very far away, and if any other Coot or Moorhen should 

 come near, he raises his wings in the form of a shield over his 

 back, lays his neck out on the water, and then with a loud 

 challenge goes out to meet the enemy. All this, however, is 

 merely bravado, for should the enemy offer battle and happen to 

 be a stronger bird, then he ignominiously turns tail and flutters 

 along the water, and with loud cries appeals to his mate for help. 

 She will then leave her eggs, and by the combined efforts of the 

 two birds the perfectly harmless intruder is driven away. 



The Coot obtains most of its food by diving to the bottom 

 of the lake and bringing up a large beakful of water-weeds. 

 These are spread out on the water, and the numerous insects 

 which appear are quickly snapped up. It is really surprising what 

 a number of insects and other food the bird will bring to the 

 surface with each beakful of weeds. When the Coot dives, it 

 seems actually to jump out of the water, and then, ducking its 

 head, its goes under with a loud splash. It is able to keep under 

 water for a long time. 



The young Coots are charming little creatures and fearlessly 

 follow their parents very soon after they leave their shells, and 

 when only a day old will learn to pick up flies for themselves. 

 The baby birds soon get very tired and return to their nests, and 

 tucking their little red heads tight into their downy breasts, sleep 

 until hunger causes them to slip once more into the water, and 



77 Q 



